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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Earnings Report

Associated Press

Mattel Inc. on Tuesday reported fourth-quarter earnings jumped about 83 percent from a year ago, boosted by strong demand for its Barbie, Disney and Hot Wheels lines.

The world’s largest toymaker earned $195 million, or 64 cents per fully diluted share, in the fourth quarter, up from $106.9 million, or 36 cents per share for the final quarter of 1996.

Sales were $1.6 billion from $1.4 billion last year.

For the year, Mattel earned $285 million, or 93 cents a share, compared with $372.2 million, or $1.23 a share, in 1996. Sales were $4.8 billion, compared with $4.54 billion in 1996.